Useful Compliance Tips For Users

These tips can help you locate some common issues in software that
contains code under the GNU GPL licence. For detailed and
authoritative information about the GNU GPL you should read the FSF's
GNU GPL FAQ.

This is not legal advice. If you have doubts consult a legal
advisor.

Basic guidelines

Check if a copy of the GNU GPL licence comes with the software.

Check if a copy of the source code comes with the software or
there is a written offer to provide the source code on a
physical media like a CD ROM for no more than the cost of
production and shipping.

Check that distributor does not claim sole copyright on the
software if the software also contains code created by others.

More Detailed guidelines

Check if the correct version of the source code is available.
The source code has to be exactly the same version as the
executable (object) code provided.

Check if the source code includes the source for any derivative
works of the GNU GPL code, not just of the third-party GNU GPL
components themselves.

Check if the source code includes the scripts used to control
compilation and installation.

If the toolchain is released and contains tools under the GNU
GPL (like the GCC compiler), check if the source code for those
tools is also available.

If you are worried that some software you got received is not
adhering to the terms of the GNU GPL licence you can review the FSF's
GNU GPL FAQ and the FSF's
HOW-TO for using the GNU GPL. If you suspect there has been a
violation of the GNU GPL you can contact the
FTF and we will help you resolve the issue.

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